Castle Rock: Chantilly Arts & Elegance 2016

Words by: JPS for duncan quinn

On the 4th of September, a spectacular Chateau outside Paris will be the scene of the chicest gathering of classic cars this side of Pebble Beach.

The 2016 Chantilly Arts & Elegance sponsored by Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille at the Château de Chantilly which dates back to the 1300s. Begun in 2014, Chantilly Arts & Elegance is now on track to become the premier concours and classic car gathering in all of Europe. After all the French invented the concours d’elegance in the 1920s – and let’s not forget they also came up with Le Mans in 1923. Taken together their contribution to the world of classic motoring, often overlooked in favor of the Brits and Italians, is impressive indeed.

Last year’s event saw 100 exceptional cars competing in the concours, as well as a covey of concept cars accompanied by models representing famed French fashion houses, as well as representatives from the 40 clubs in the running for the Grand Prix des Clubs. And of course there’s a seriously lavish Garden Party in the gardens of Le Nôtre surrounding the Chateau where everyone dresses to the nines, as only Parisians can do. Beyond the brand itself, Richard Mille is a man with a passion not only for fine watchmaking but classic cars. His own chateau in Brittany is pretty palatial stuff, and his car collection isn’t too shabby either. A man after our own heart, you might say.